The bottles and cans were not in compliance with legal notice 158/98, which specifies that non-alcoholic (carbonated, flavoured and containing less than two per cent alcohol) beverages may only be traded and consumed in refillable glass bottles subject to a deposit and return scheme.

Mepa said drinks in this category include soft drinks, energy drinks, flavoured sparkling water, carbonated electrolyte replacement drinks, carbonated tea, sparkling fruit juice and nectars.

Mepa added that in the coming weeks it will continue with its spot-checks to confirm that all traders, including importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, agents and retailers (grocery stores, supermarkets, bars and restaurants) are implementing the refund scheme.

Any person failing to comply with the regulations may be liable to either a fine ranging from Lm1,000 to Lm10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both, said Mepa.

The public is being encouraged to inform the authority about establishments that are selling non-alcoholic beverages in cans or not implementing the refund scheme. For inquiries or reports, the public can call on 2290-3511, Mepa said.